Psychology

Associate of Arts - Specialization in Psychology

Explore human nature and turn your passion into a college degree.

Begin with an Associate of Arts (DTA) degree with direct transfer into a Bachelor
program in Psychology. The Associate of Arts (DTA) degree consists of 90 quarter credits
earned in General Requirements, Distribution Requirements and Electives. The public
community colleges and the four-year colleges and universities of the State of Washington
have an established Direct Transfer Agreement. That agreement allows students who
hold the Associate of Arts (DTA) degree to transfer at least 90 quarter credits (60
semester credits) to four-year institutions for the purpose of satisfying most or
all of the general education requirements of the receiving institution.

Where can I transfer?

Students can transfer to a number of public and private colleges and universities
in the U.S., but the Direct Transfer Agreement applies only within Washington state.
The following colleges in Washington offer a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, which
may require specific courses for admission. Our faculty advisors can help you plan
your coursework for transfer.

Transfer Information

Contact the Psychology department at your chosen four-year school(s) for more information.

A cumulative grade point average of 2.00 in all coursework applied to the associate
degree and all TCC college-level courses.

No more than three physical education activity credits.

At least one course (5 credits) of the 90 credits applied toward graduation must be
an approved multicultural course.

Students who plan to transfer to The Evergreen State College or to the University
of Washington–Tacoma are strongly advised to include at least one learning community
(coordinated studies or linked course) as part of their degree. See distribution electives.

Select courses from the Humanities section of the Approved Distribution Course List.
Courses must be selected from at least two disciplines with no more than 10 credits
in any one discipline. No more than 5 credits in world language at the 100 level.

No more than five credits of performance/skills course(s) can be used to satisfy this
requirement.

SOCIAL SCIENCES (15 CREDITS)

Select courses from the Social Sciences section of the Approved Distribution Course
List. Courses must be selected from at least two disciplines with no more than 10
credits in any one discipline. Up to 10 credits of PSYC courses in the Specialization
Requirements may be applied toward this requirement.

NATURAL SCIENCES (15 CREDITS)

Select courses from the Natural Sciences section of the Approved Distribution Course
List. Courses must be selected from at least two disciplines with no more than 10
credits in any one discipline. Courses must include at least 10 credits from the courses
listed as Biological, Earth, and Physical Sciences. Courses must include at least
one laboratory course. Recommendations include: BIOL& 175 Human Biology and ANTH&
205 Biological Anthropology.

MULTICULTURAL (5 CREDITS)

Select one course from the Multicultural section of the Approved Distribution Course
List.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION (3 CREDITS)

Select three PE credits. No more than three PE activity credits apply toward the degree.
The following PE courses do not count as activity credits: PE 190, PE 191, PE 285,
PE 292.

Students are advised to take at least one writing intensive course (other than a written
communication skills course) as part of their degree requirements and electives.

Other College-Level Electives (15 credits)

Select courses needed to fulfill the remaining Psychology Specialization Requirements,
if necessary. All elective credits must be selected from courses numbered 100 or above. PE activity
credits cannot be used as electives.